Vinos Del Viento, La Mancha (Spain) 2021

 Vinos del Viento is the project of winemaker Michael Cooper, a Santa Barbara transplant seeking out high-altitude, old-vine, dry-farmed vineyards, sometimes housing 100+ year old indigenous vine material.  His 2021 Aventura is a predominantly Garnacha blend, complemented by Syrah and Garnacha Tintorera (also known as Alicante Bouschet).  It bursts from the glass with bold lavender, thyme, and black pepper aromas.  On the palate, it is juicy and plush, with a soft texture and an herbal undertone that lies underneath a rich wall of red ripe fruit.